Staff

Elizabeth Schumacher

In 1967, Liz and her world renowned rheumatologist husband, Ralph, bought a house at the bottom of a very steep, barren hill. Necessity forced them into education;

Liz began studying horticulture at the Barnes Foundation and together they began collecting specimen plants. As the years passed and the terraced hill developed into an award winning garden, Liz and Ralph began the search for appropriate ornaments to incorporate in the garden design. As they traveled the world for Ralph’s lectures, they began to accumulate unique artifacts from many countries and cultures. In 1979 with encouragement from family and friends, Liz founded Garden Accents!

Liz now writes articles and lectures to universities, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and garden clubs around the country on garden design and the use of garden ornaments. Her pieces have enhanced many award winning exhibits at the prestigious Philadelphia Flower Show as well as the Vassar Design House and other local events. In 1996, Garden Accents won the blue ribbon for their first commercial booth at the Philadelphia Flower Show and again received a First Prize in 1999 and 2000. Philadelphia Magazine rated Garden Accents “Best of Philly” in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2006. Besides gardening, Liz enjoys antiques, folk art, tennis, paddle tennis, traveling, reading and her three wonderful grandchildren. Don’t get her started on that!

Madeline Duffy

A love of gardening and plants, appreciation of beauty, art, and nature was nurtured in Madeline during childhood in Upstate New York. She still says “I owe it all to Mom!”. Throughout the past to the present, gardening remains a passionate interest and personal pursuit.

Madeline has been the Manager at Garden Accents since 2005 after joining the staff in 2004. Her position has afforded her the wonderful opportunity to marry her professional skills, interests and natural talents. Offering her customers knowledgeable service which combines experience and personalized attention is a priority. Continuing professional education includes participation in yearly Perennial and Woody Plant Conferences offered through Longwood Gardens at Swarthmore. She delights in those occasions when she visits private customer and public gardens, adventuring with Liz Schumacher on scouting and buying trips and meeting the many interesting customers and professionals who visit Garden Accents.

Her previous career path included management in women’s mental healthcare, sales, client support and health benefit advocacy. She continues to enjoy the opportunity to combine management skills, product knowledge and above all customer relations and service.

Michael Volinsky

While studying fine art at Albright College, Michael gained an appreciation for the beauty of nature and the way different elements combine to create a work of art. He now uses this appreciation to help clients find that special element that will turn their ideas into a masterpiece.

Michael has previously worked in other areas of home renovation including showroom sales of doors and windows. During this time he worked closely with home owners and contractors to choose the right products that would fit the style, budget, and functionality of the project. Having also installed doors and windows, Michael knows the importance of quality materials, proper installation and maintenance. This combination is a recipe for success.
Michael uses his love of art, experience in sales and the trades, and exceptional customer service to help you enhance your home and garden.

Roy Patton

Roy Patton started with Garden Accents as primary Showroom Technician 3 years ago. His background includes 20+ years as a carpenter and seven years as a landscaper. His experience has afforded him the opportunity to learn how best to place and maintain garden ornaments. In addition to in-store set up, Roy travels to customers’ houses to provide delivery and installation services and he provides wonderful repair services for our customers as well. His hobbies include geology and dragon boat racing.